Homes
News

Hot stuff: Live dream with futuristic gadgets

Remember when you were a child and you used to dream of living in a high-tech house like the Jetsons? Technology has certainly come a long a way since Saturday morning cartoons filled our heads with fantasies of video phones and flying cars. From touchless toilets that flush at the wave of a hand to smartphone-enabled deadbolts that allow you to send e-keys from your mobile device, we’re one step closer to living the life of an Orbit City citizen. Now if somebody could just invent one of those robot maids, we’d really be living it up in futuristic fashion.

Key component: Convenient and secure, this Bluetooth-enabled smart lock will transform your smartphone into your key. Install the deadbolt and download the app for instant ability to unlock your door using your smartphone with a simple swipe. The app also allows you to send electronic keys (e-keys) to family, friends and service people and receive notifications whenever an user enters or exits your door.

Switch hit: Monitor and control your home electronics from anywhere. This handy Wi-Fi enabled gadget can keep energy costs low by allowing you to set schedules, monitor energy usage on electronics and find out which devices are used most often. Get notified when your laundry cycle is finished so you avoid wrinkled clothes, know when your kids have exceeded their daily TV limit (and turn it off, even if you’re not home) or find out if you left the space heater on accidentally via the accompanying smartphone app.

Futuristic flush: The traditional flush lever is a thing of the past. Introducing the “touchless toilet” that allows users to flush without making contact, utilizing an innovative sensor instead of the traditional flush lever. No handle to touch means fewer germs to leave behind and fewer to pick up. Even better? In addition to a lever-free toilet, the touchless technology is available in an affordable, easy-to-install kit upgrade designed to fit most single-flush toilets.

Hot commodity: Believe it or not, this leading edge thermostat can actually sense when you’re not at home and adjusts itself to an energy-efficient temperature. It will also remember your preferred temperature settings and adjusts itself automatically. If the weather takes a turn while you’re at the office, just adjust your settings online from a compatible device and your home will be comfortable upon your return.